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    Home » Early Years Science » Is your arm span equal to your height?

    Is your arm span equal to your height?

    May 21, 2013 By Emma Vanstone 15 Comments

    Did you know arm span ( also known as wingspan or reach ) is approximately equal to height?

    How to calculate arm span

    We tested this out against a wall using chalk to mark reach and then standing next to the wall to see if it matched height. You should measure from fingertip to fingertip and not have a flat hand as in this photo.

    How to calculate arm span

    We found my 6 year old’s arm span did equal his height and my 4 year old was a little taller than hers.

    What is ape index?

    Ape index is the ratio of arm span relative to their height. So my little boy had an ape index of 1.

    A arm span greater than height is thought to be advantageous in some sports such as swimming, as longer arms may give greater propulsion. A shorter arm span is useful for weight lifters as they don’t have to lift the weight as high.

    girl working out her arm span to compare to height

    How to calculate ape index

    Ape Index – Method 1

    Wingspan / Height

    If ape index is greater than 1, wingspan is greater than height. If ape index is less than one height is greater than wingspan.

    Ape Index – Method 2

    Wingspan – Height

    Ape index calculated this way is either a positive or negative number.

    Can you work out your ape index or arm span?

    Grab the instructions below. I have a basic investigation instruction sheet and also a slightly different format using a question.

    Arm span and height instructions
    Arm span Question sheet
    Arm span and height question sheet

    More human body science ideas

    Can you work out how many feet tall you are too?

    how many feet tall

    Make a model of a heart or a brain model.

    Model Brain

    Or , for little ones try some of these great preschool science ideas.

    Discover the relationship between arm span and height. #scienceforkids #armspan

    Last Updated on July 17, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

    « How to make a water balloon sink
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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Emma

      May 21, 2013 at 12:08 pm

      My little ones love this too! Great fun. I didn’t know it had a proper name though! (And apparently your foot is the length of your forearm too.)

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        May 27, 2013 at 2:10 pm

        I keep meaning to try that one!

        Reply
      • rscionka

        January 09, 2015 at 10:03 pm

        My fore arm is 3 inches longer than my foot and my arm span is 5 inches greater than my height… ape arms…

        Reply
    2. HELEN

      May 21, 2013 at 3:10 pm

      interesting stuff! I will be checking out our ape index…I suspect that the males of the family have longer arm spans than height….good for reaching glasses from the top shelves!

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        May 27, 2013 at 2:11 pm

        Ha ha, good point!

        Reply
    3. Jodi

      May 22, 2013 at 6:27 am

      This is so simple but a really fun idea. Thanks for the inspiration.

      Reply
    4. Heather twinkl

      May 25, 2013 at 3:25 pm

      Did not know that! Am now going to spend the next hour with my boys on this!

      Reply
    5. Itchy

      May 28, 2013 at 11:10 am

      I herd this along time ago on Braniac I think so have added their URL! but when I checked it my Span of my Arm’s is 2-3 inches LONGER than my Height so Wife laughed and said that I am an Ape!

      Reply
    6. Maria

      October 21, 2015 at 9:10 pm

      If your arm length is significantly longer than you are tall it could be d genetic disorder called Marfan syndrome.

      Reply
    7. John Lukeward

      May 06, 2016 at 3:03 am

      I have an arm span of 76″ my height is 65″ a difference of nearly a foot. Is my arm span too long?

      Reply
      • Adam

        April 05, 2017 at 1:06 am

        Well, that means that you should’ve reached that height,and there might have been health problems that have caused the decrease in height.

        Reply
        • Mario

          November 30, 2018 at 3:53 am

          Wouldn’t it only be a decrease in height if John had once been more than 65″ tall?

          Reply
    8. Lisa

      January 24, 2018 at 5:33 pm

      My 6 year old son is short in stature anyway but his arm span is even less than his height by 4/5 cm. Will this rectify and if not will it cause him problems when he gets older?

      Reply

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